Writing Contests - Poetry, Short Story, Essay, Screenwriting & More
On this page, you’ll find the web’s best and most updated selection of writing contests.
If you’ve got a way with making your words come to life, try your hand at a poetry contest. If you’re a teen, there’s a special category of teen writing contests just for you. For everybody else, there’s a variety of other ways to test your writing skills, from essay contests to short story contests. Want to submit a contest? Simply click on our “Submit a Contest” button. Good luck everyone, and be sure to read our tips on how to win below!
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The Do-Over Writing Contest
Haven’t we all wanted a do-over at least once in life?
In 500 words or less, write a story based on a character that has the opportunity to do-over one event in their life. The story can be any genre as long as it is based on this concept.
Prize: First place: $200 cash; Runner ups: $50
Fees: N/A
Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
Submit published or unpublished poems in this contest sponsored by Winning Writers. Length limit: 250 lines. Top 12 poems will be published online. Final judge: Michal ‘MJ’ Jones.
Prize: 2 X $3500, 10 X $500
Fees: 25 USD, for 1-3 poems
Goldilocks Zone 2025 Contest
The Goldilocks Zone contest seeks the best blend of craft and appeal. $100 plus publication for the winner. Authors and artists eligible in all genres/forms. Opens April 1. Closes April 30. Guidelines and entry form on Submittable or Duotrope. More info: https://sunspotlit.com/contests
Prize: $100 plus publication for the winner
Fees: 5 USD
WOW! Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
WOW! Women on Writing is seeking creative nonfiction on any topic (1000 words or less) and in any style–from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hermit crab, and more!
Prize: 1st Place: $500, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store (and 19 other prize winners)
Fees: 12 USD, critique option for an additional $13
WOW! Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest
WOW! Women on Writing is seeking flash fiction of any genre between 250 – 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.
Prize: 1st Place: $400, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and an additional 19 prizes
Fees: 10 USD, critique option for an additional $10
The Naomi Shihab Nye Prize
The Naomi Shihab Nye Prize was established in 2024 for writers in the Arab community to create book length stories for and about young Arab readers.
We invite Arab American and Canadian writers to submit a middle-grade manuscripts directed to readers ages 8–12. First prize: $1,000; second: $500
Prize: First prize: $1,000; second: $500.
Fees: N/A
F(r)iction Spring 2025 Writing Contests
F(r)iction is a triannual publication that boasts work from industry legends and emerging writers. Each issue is carefully curated to evaluate an important cultural topic from vastly different perspectives. We accept short fiction, creative nonfiction, flash fiction, comics, and poetry submissions.
Prize: Win $2,100 in Prizes!
Fees: 15 USD, Flash Fiction and Poetry submissions are $10 - $12 (pack of three submissions).
A Very Short Story Contest
Write a great short story in ten words or fewer. Submit it to our contest. Entry is free. Winner of the bet gets a free Gotham class.
Prize: Class at Gotham Writers Workshop, Publication on Website
Fees: N/A
Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest
Submit your original music-centric short story for a chance to win.
• Categories: Undergraduate College Students (free entry) & General Submissions ($10 entry fee)
• Deadline: August 1, 2025
• Guidelines & submission: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/billhallbergrocknrollshortstorycontest
Prize: $50
Fees: 10 USD, Undergraduate college students enter for free. General submissions pay $10 per story.
Inception 2025 Contest
Sunspot Lit’s Inception contest offers $100 cash plus publication for the best opening. Authors and artists eligible. All genres accepted. Opens March 1. Closes March 31. Guidelines and entry form here: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit/318760/inception-2025-100-for-fiction-cnf-poem-art.
Prize: $100 cash plus publication for the winner. Publication will be offered to runners-up and finalists.
Fees: 5 USD
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